First Crag Rat run declared a hit

Plans are underway to expand on the success of the inuagural Crag Rat Run.

Hordes of runners competed in the recent Knaresborough Striders five-mile event which was introduced following the demise of the King James School road races.

Race Organiser, Jeremy Wilkinson, said: “It’s been a great success with lots of complimentary comments from the runners.

“I was pleased to see that around half the field were local residents not attached to any running clubs.

“As it has been so popular we will aim to develop the event a little and put it on every year.”

The field, which tackled the route over mixed terrain, started at Knaresborough Cricket Club and then went along the crag top, Abbey Road, Birkham Wood, Spitalcroft and back up the crag before ending with a circuit of the cricket field.

Early drizzle cleared away before the start and the race was run in fine weather.

The event attracted runners from all over North and West Yorkshire who were rewarded with a special commemorative medal at the end as well as tea, coffee and sticky buns.

The winner was Andrew Grant from Harrogate Harriers in 27 minutes 28 seconds and the first woman home was Carol Morgan of Nidd Valley Road Runners in 32.57.